FAU’s Kenan Social Engagement Program Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

The Kenan Social Engagement Program at Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College announced its annual scholarship winners for 2025. These recipients, known as Kenan Scholars, were chosen as part of a competitive selection process to launch social ventures they conceptualized and planned during the Fall 2024 semester in a social entrepreneurship course taught by program co-directors Timothy Steigenga, Ph.D. and Christopher Strain, Ph.D.

The Kenan program is designed to educate students in the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship, help them develop plans for addressing a pressing social need, and assist them in partnering with nonprofit organizations. In addition to an academic scholarship, recipients each received a $2,500 seed grant to fund their ventures.

Meet the 2025 Kenan Scholars.

Isabelle Solages developed the venture Med to Med, a mentorship program dedicated to guiding high school students from underrepresented communities who are interested in entering careers in health care. Through mentorship, resources and support, Med to Med aims to bridge the gap in medical education accessibility and inspire the next generation of health care professionals. Solages also received a $500 award for her venture from the FAU Wave Competition. 

“Receiving the Kenan Scholarship has been incredibly meaningful, as it is providing me with the opportunity to bring this vision to life, empowering students with the tools and guidance they need to pursue their medical aspirations,” said Solages.

Kassandra Liburd initiated the Sign and Shine Community Program to empower and enrich the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children and their families through accessible programs, fostering community connections, personal growth and lifelong learning in a supportive environment. 

“The scholarship and grant helps me build the foundation I needed to create a community that I wish I had when I was younger,” said Liburd. “I joined the program unsure of my post-secondary career. I now feel I have found my career and am able to become successful.” 

Michael Pedro was awarded a Kenan scholarship and seed grant for his partnership venture with Juan Jaramillo to found Clean Haven, a social venture that tackles hygienic poverty and plastic waste by offering eco-friendly, refillable body wash, with one bottle donated to a homeless individual for every five sold. 

“I am proud to say that with the support of the Kenan scholarship, we can bring Clean Haven to life,” said Pedro. “This program has given me the resources, guidance and confidence to take action, and the opportunity to partner with incredible organizations makes it even more meaningful.” 

Each year, the Kenan Social Engagement Program enters agreements with Palm Beach County-based nonprofit community partners where students do academic service learning. The students write business plans either for their own ventures or for ventures tailored to serve the mission of the community partner. Now in its 13th year, the Kenan Social Engagement program is funded by a grant and endowment by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.

"Being a Kenan Scholar means more than funding,” said Jaramillo. “It’s the chance to grow a venture alongside a close friend whoshares my passion and drive to create real, lasting impact on both the planet and the lives of vulnerablecommunities."

 

Juan Jaramillo

 

Community Partners

Community partners that have participated in the Kenan Social Engagement Program include:

• Busch Wildlife Center, a wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education organization
• Path to College, a mentoring program designed to help at-risk students apply to college founded by Wilkes Honors College Alumna, Christine Sylvain
• Mind & Melody, uniquely designed music therapy programs for clients with neurological impairments at healthcare facilities, nursing homes, day centers and assisted living facilities (founded by Wilkes Honors College Alumna Cristina Rodriguez
• Quantum House, a home that lessens the burden for families whose children are receiving treatment for serious medical conditions
• El Sol Neighborhood Resource Center, a day-labor center founded to aid the immigrant community in northern Palm Beach County
• The Lord’s Place, a nonprofit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County
  Palm Beach County Food Bank, which provides food for local food pantries and soup kitchens
• Easterseals Florida, a national organization that provides community-based services for people with disabilities